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E L E C T R I C T R A I N S

MTH F-3 DIESEL ENGINEOPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Thank you for purchasing the MTH Electric Trains F-3 diesel locomotive.This ¼” scale reproduction of the famous F-3 A-B-A locomotive consistmeasures over 39” in length and weighs over 11 pounds. Despite its scalesize, the locomotive is capable of operating on O-31 3-rail track with anycompatible AC transformer (see the chart on page 31 for a complete list ofcompatible transformers and wiring instructions) and is completelycompatible with most other 3-rail locomotives, rolling stock andaccessories.

The locomotive is equipped with several deluxe features that are simpleand fun to operate. Each feature is described among the following pageswhich should be read before the engine is operated. For those of you whocan’t wait to get started, the Quick Start Basic Operating Instructionsfound on Pages 3 and 4 should be read so that you understand the basics ofthe operating system.

2MTH F-3 Operating Manual

Table Of Contents

QUICK START - BASIC OPERATION 3PROTO-SOUND® OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 5

DCRU® Reverse Unit Operation(All 3-Rail Models) 5Horn Operation 6Bell Operation 6ProtoCoupler® Operation 7Squeaking Brake Sounds 8Tips On Using Squeaking Brakes 8Passenger Station Sounds (PFA) 9Tips On Using The Passenger Station Sounds 13Reverse Unit Lockout Control Functions 16Locking The Engine Into Forward or Reverse 16Unlocking The Engine 16Locking The Engine Into Neutral 16Self-Charging Battery Backup System 17Replacing The Battery 17Proto-Sound® Volume Adjustment 18

USING “RESET" TO PROGRAM PROTO-SOUND™ 19Setting The Engine Volume 19Programming For Squeaking Brake Operation 20Programming For Horn In Neutral Operation 20Programming For Proto-Coupler® Operation 21 Programming For Cab Chatter Sounds 21Programming For PFA Operation 22Activating Remote Lock-Out Control 22Resetting All Proto-Sound® Options To Factory Defaults 23

OIL & LUBRICATION INSTRUCTIONS 24TRACTION TIRE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS 25LIGHT BULB REMOVAL & REPLACEMENT 26TROUBLE SHOOTING PROTO-SOUND® PROBLEMS 27

Proto-Sound® RESET Feature Chart 30Transformer Wiring Chart 31

O-31 OPERATION 32SERVICE AND WARRANTY INFORMATION 36HOW TO GET SERVICE 36LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY 36


QUICK START - BASIC OPERATION The MTH F-3 contains state-of-the art electronics with several built-inautomatic features for incredibly realistic operation. Despite these advanced features, the F-3 is easy to operate with any compatible standard ACtransformer (see the compatibility chart on page 33). The F-3 locomotiveis controlled by a Proto-Sound® DCRU® electronic reverse unit. Thereverse unit operates in the same manner that all reverse units function byusing forward, neutral and reverse states that are entered each time thethrottle is turned on and off or by using the transformer direction switch (ifso equipped).


The F-3 locomotive is controlled by a Proto-Sound® DCRU® electronicreverse unit. The reverse unit operates in the same manner that all reverseunits function by using forward, neutral and reverse states that are enteredeach time the throttle is turned on and off or by using the transformerdirection switch (if so equipped).

The reverse unit is designed to ignore dirty track, dead spots on switchesor minor short circuits without disrupting the engine operation, even atslow, prototypical speeds. Once the engine is placed on the track, thethrottle on the transformer can be advanced. You will see that only theengine’s lights come on and that only two dings of the ProtoSound belloccur followed by the diesel start-up sounds (on ProtoSound equipped 3-rail models). The engine does not run. This is known as the RESET state andis explained in more detail beginning on . The ProtoSound®DCRU® will not power the motors until the throttle is turned OFF and thenON again. At this point, the engine will now function just like any otherelectronic or mechanical E-unit.

AA SETSPlug wire harness from powered A unit into pow-ered A unit in order to op-erate directional head-lights and coil couplers

AB SETSPlug wire harness from powered A unit into non-powered B unit.

ABA SETSPlug wire harness from powered A unit into non-powered B unit. Then plug wire harness from non-powered B unit into non-powered A unit in or-der to operate directional headlights and coil cou-plers in the non-powered

Figure 1: Plugging In the ProtoSound® Cable Harness

ProtoSoundVolumeControlKnob

CouplerDirectionSwitch

Figure 2: Locating The Proto-Coupler® Selection Switch

RESET

Neutral

Reverse

Neutral

Forward

Figure 2: DCRU™ Cycle Phases


PROTO-SOUND® INSTRUCTIONS The MTH Proto-Sound® digital sound and train control system providesthe operator with unprecedented realistic operation on your model railroad.In addition to actual diesel engine, CD-equivalent 16-bit digital sounds,you get the following features:

1. ∗ Built-In DCRU Reverse Unit * Authentic Diesel Engine Horn Sound *Authentic Diesel Engine Bell Sound * Squeaking Brake Sound * PassengerStation Sounds * Operating Remote Controlled ProtoCoupler™ * Self-Charging Battery Back-Up System With Automatic Battery Shut-Off * RemotelyControlled Reverse Unit Lock-Out * Remotely Adjustable Diesel Engine Volume* Upgradeable Microprocessor Options * Authentic Diesel Engine Start Up &Shut Down Sounds * Random Selection of Four “Cab Chatter" RadioTransmission Sound Clips * Authentic Diesel Shut Down Sounds

Each feature is described among the following pages. Though the systemis easy to use, we encourage you to read the instructions thoroughly.

PROTO-SOUND® DCRU® REVERSE UNIT

As mentioned in the Basic Operating section, the engine is controlled by aProto-Sound® DCRU® reverse unit that contains the standardforward-neutral-reverse states found on most reverse units. However, asdescribed earlier, when power is first applied to the track, the reverse unitbegins in RESET or what seems like a neutral state. Power must beinterrupted again to get the locomotive to enter the forward state. It is thisfirst RESET state that gives Proto-Sound® its unique, remote controlledfunctions. The system will enter RESET whenever power to the track is off for three or more seconds. NEUTRAL will be referred to as the statebetween Forward and Reverse.

Proto-Sound® is equipped with a microprocessor, that, depending on theamount of memory it is allotted, allows the user to utilize several remotelyactivated functions. In the simplest terms, Proto-Sound® has its own“Computer" controlling these functions. In order to access many of theseremotely controlled functions, the user must be in the RESET state to do so. RESET is entered anytime power to the locomotive has been off for morethan 3 to 5 seconds. When the engine first enters RESET, themicroprocessor initiates a system check to determine if the system,transformer and engine are operating correctly. This takes approximately2.2 seconds during which you will hear the engine’s startup sounds begin.


In order for Proto-Sound to properly initiate the system check, do notadvance the transformer throttle past 10 volts when you first enter RESET,wait for the diesel startup sounds to begin and then slowly turn thetransformer throttle to the off position and then back on again to enter theforward phase. Interrupting the power too quickly may cause the system tore-enter RESET (signaled by two dings of the bell). Should this happen,wait longer before interrupting the power to enter the Forward phase.

Proto-Sound® comes with several programmable functions, includingEngine Volume Adjustment, Separate Bell Button Operation(pre-programmed at the factory), Cab Chatter On/Off Control, ProtoCoupler On/Off Control and Horn-In-Neutral Operation. Each of these features aredescribed in more detail later. You will notice that when in RESET, yourengine will not respond to the whistle button with a horn blast or continuous bell ringing. In fact, when in RESET and the whistle button is depressed,only one single bell chime will be heard each time the whistle button ispressed. If you don’t want to configure or change your locomotive usingany of these programmable features, simply leave RESET and wait 2.2seconds before interrupting the power to put the engine in forward. Afteryou leave RESET, your engine will operate normally in all the directionstates of forward, neutral and reverse.

HORN OPERATION

Your MTH F-3 Proto-Sound-equipped engine is equipped with a digitalrecording of a diesel horn. The horn sound can be activated anytime theengine is in forward or reverse by pressing the whistle button on yourtransformer. The horn will continue to blow as long as the whistle button is depressed. The horn will not function in RESET and must be configuredthrough a RESET option to allow the horn to work when the engine is inneutral. See page 19 for information on horn programming in the UsingRESET To Program Proto-Sound® section of this manual.

BELL OPERATION

Your MTH F-3 Proto-Sound-equipped engine is equipped with a digitalrecording of an actual diesel bell. Unlike previous versions of Proto-Sound, the bell can be turned on or off with any separate bell button, like theLionel® Railsounds® No. 5906 Bell Button, by simply pushing the button.If you don’t have a separate bell button, the bell can be controlled throughyour transformer’s whistle button whenever the engine is in NEUTRAL.


The bell will never ring continuously in RESET (Remember NEUTRAL isthe state between Forward and Reverse). Once the bell is turned on, it willcontinue to ring when the engine is cycled into forward or reverse until youpress the bell button or re-enter NEUTRAL and turn the bell off with thewhistle button.

In fact, because of Proto-Sound® state-of-the-art design, themicroprocessor remembers its last command. Therefore, unless you turnthe bell off before you quit running your train, the next time you run theengine, the bell will come on. No matter whether you come back an hourlater or a year later, the bell will begin chiming once the engine enters oneof the three directional states.

To turn the bell on using the transformer’s whistle button, turn on power to the track and cycle the engine into NEUTRAL. Turn the throttle to 8 voltsor less (any higher voltage will arm the ProtoCoupler) and press the whistlebutton. The bell should begin chiming. To turn the bell off, press thewhistle button again. If you want to keep the bell on while running theengine, simply interrupt the power with the transformer throttle or thetransformer directional switch and enter forward or reverse.

PROTO-COUPLER™ OPERATION

Your MTH F-3 Proto-Sound-equipped locomotive has two coil-woundProtoCouplers™ for remote uncoupling action. The couplers are mountedon the power trucks. Because the ProtoCoupler is controlled throughProtoSound’s microprocessor, it doesn’t require an uncoupling track section or modification to your layout to function. The three simple steps beloware required to operate the coupler.

1. Put your engine in NEUTRAL and turn the throttle all the way up.2. Press the transformer whistle button to “Arm" the coupler. (Youwill hear a “Clank")3. After arming the coupler, press the whistle button again to openthe coupler.

When the knuckle fires openyou will hear the buzzing of the coil energizing and the sound of the air lines coming apart. Itcan best be described as aCHA-CHUSHHH sound. The

H H

Put Engine In NeutralAt Full Power

Press & Release The Whistle Button

Press & Release The Whistle Button

Listen For The Ca-Clunk Sound

See The Coupler OpenAnd Listen For The

Cha-Chusshh Sound


coupler doesn’t have to be fired in NEUTRAL. Once the coupler is armedit can be fired in Forward, Neutral or Reverse. However, you may find thatthe coupler doesn’t open when firing the coupler at high speeds. Reducethe voltage setting on yourtransformer if this occurs andrun your engine at a slowerspeed before firing the coupler.If the coupler continues to openerratically, try lubricating theknuckle with light oil asindicated in Fig. 3.

For multiple heading purposes, only one of the twoProto-Couplers will function at any one time. Use the coupler directionswitch as shown in Fig. 1 on page 3 to select either the front or rear coupler. Simply slide the switch toward the direction of the coupler you want tomake active.

NEUTRAL-ACTIVATED CAB CHATTER SOUNDS

Whenever your diesel locomotive is parked in Neutral randomly played“Cab Chatter” sound effects will occur every 2 to 30 seconds. There are atotal of four of these Cab Chatter sequences that capture authentic radiotransmissions between dispatcher and engineer. They are designed to playat random intervals to eliminate repetitive and boring sequences thoughthere is no guarantee that you won’t hear the same message repeated two ormore times..

SQUEAKING BRAKE SOUNDS

Proto-Sound® equipped engines feature the ability to play the sound ofsqueaking brakes whenever your engine slows in speed. There are twosettings for activating the squeaking brake sounds. The default settingallows the brake sounds to play while the engine is in forward or reverseand the transformer throttle is lowered from a high setting to a low setting(14 volts to 8 volts or less). The sound itself is a stored recordingon the Proto-Sound® softwarechip and will always play thesame brake sound for the samethree second length each time the

LubricateCoupler Knuckle

Figure 3: Lubricating The ProtoCoupler Knuckle

Throttle Down FromHigh Voltage To Low

Listen For The Squeaking Brake Sounds


voltage is reduced from high to low. Some practice may be required tosynchronize the playing of the brake sounds with the movement of theengine. It is not uncommon for the engine to stop before the brake sound iscompleted. Operators will find that coordinating the movement of thethrottle setting from 8 volts to off will allow the engine to maintain itsmovement while the brake sounds play. Note: The brake sounds will notbe heard if the transformer throttle is not set above 14 volts and/or notreduced below 8 volts.

TIPS ON USING THE SQUEAKING BRAKE FEATURE

Users will find the squeaking brake feature to be a very realistic wayto simulate the sound of an engine slowing down for curves, crossingsor coming to a stop at a station, side track or switch yard. However,you may find that your engine continues to play the brake sounds once your engine comes to a stop, or that the sounds stop before the enginecomes to a complete halt. For example, if you simply run the engineand turn the throttle off quickly, the brake sounds will likely continueplaying even though the engine has come to a complete stop.

This annoying effect can be eliminated by simply practicing with thebrake feature. In no time, you will quickly learn how to “feather" thethrottle to keep the engine moving while the brake sounds play andthen turning the throttle off just as the sounds stop.


Operating Proto-Sound® Passenger StationSound EffectsPassenger Station Sounds (PFA)

Proto-Sound® is equipped with operator controlled Passenger StationSounds, referred to as PFA. The PFA sequence is designed to simulatethe arrival, disembarking, embarking and departure of a passenger train in a Passenger Station. This easy-to-use feature allows you to playdigitally recorded sounds of Passenger Station sounds while yourengine is parked in the Neutral State. No additional wires ormodifications are needed to enjoy these amazing sound effects. Thesounds themselves are randomly “shuffled” by the Proto-Sound®computer. This gives the system the ability to play the various soundsin a different order each time PFA is enabled.

Activating Passenger Sounds -Quick Overview-

The following is a quick overview on how you can operate PFA.

The train on track moving Forward or Reverse direction.

BPress and Hold Bell Button For 3+ Seconds, Listen For a Horn Blast or Air Release, then Remove your Fingerfrom the Button.

BPress Bell Button Again Quickly to Stop Bell Chime.

Your train is now ready for you to play the PFA.


d

Bell

HornWhistle

Direction

OR

To Play PFA, Stop Train Direction.This Can Be Done by Pressing theDIRECTION Button or Cycling theTransformer Handle.

At This Time the Train Will Stop in Neutral.In a Few Seconds, An Arrival MessagePlays, Followed by a Background Noise.

STOP

d

Bell

HornWhistle

Direction

ORChange/Press Direction- The Train Will Remain In Neutral. It Will Continue to Play More Background Noises.

d

Bell

HornWhistle

Direction

OR

Change/Press Direction- The Train Will Remain In Neutral. You Will Hear a Double Air Release, Departure Message Plays More Background Noises.

d

Bell

HornWhistle

Direction

OR

GO

Change/Press Direction- The Train Will Remain In Neutral. You Will Hear Closing Doors, Horn Blast, a Few Bell Chimes and Train Departs in the Direction the Train First Stopped.

For more detailed PFA instructions, read the following.


Activating Passenger Sounds (PFA)- Detailed PFA

Instructions

Arming The Passenger Sounds Feature

Before the Passenger Station sounds can be heard, the feature must beactivated. The feature can be activated in one of two ways.

Option 1: If you are using the Z-4000™ transformer, or any transformerwith a separate bell button controller, you can activate the feature by simply pressing and holding the bell button for at least three seconds (it does notmatter if you are in forward, neutral or reverse). You will hear the bell turnon and, after threeseconds, you shouldhear a short horn blastor air release. Once thehorn blast or air releaseis heard, the bell buttoncan be released. Thebell will continue tochime, so if you want to turn off the bell ringing, simply press and releasethe bell button. If you were in neutral, interrupt the transformer throttle toenter the next directional state (either forward or reverse). (Note: the PFAwill only play in the first Neutral after it is armed. You can not interruptthe power twice to enter another direction and still have the PFA active.)You can now trigger the sounds to begin playing when you next enterNeutral.

Option 2 If you do not have a separate Z-4000™ transformer (or separatebell button available), you can activate the PFA using your transformer’swhistle button control. To arm the PFA, turn on the transformer throttle and cycle your engine intoNeutral (not RESET). Once in neutral, set thetransformer throttle to 8volts or less and press andhold the whistle button forat least three seconds. Youwill hear the bell turn onand, after three seconds,you should hear a short horn blast or air release. Once the horn blast or air

Put Engine In Neutral,Forward or Reverse

Press & HoldThe Railsounds® Bell Button

For 3 Seconds

Listen For The Start Of The Bell Sound

Listen For The Air Release Sound

After 3 Seconds

Put Engine In NeutralAt Low Power

Press & HoldThe Whistle Button

For 3 Seconds

Listen For The Start Of The Bell Sound

Listen For The Air Release Sound

After 3 Seconds

H


release is heard, the whistle button can be released. The bell will continueto chime, so if you want to turn off the bell ringing, simply press and release the whistle button. Interrupt the transformer throttle to enter the nextdirectional state (either forward or reverse). (Note: the PFA will only playin the first Neutral after it is armed. You can not interrupt the powertwice to enter another direction and still have the PFA active.) You cannow trigger the sounds to begin playing when you next enter Neutral.

TRIGGERING PASSENGER STATIONANNOUNCEMENTS

Once the PFA feature has been activated, it will be played the next timethe engine enters neutral. At this point, Proto-Sound® will take overcontrol of your engine, disabling the bell and whistle button. In addition,Proto-Sound® reconfigures the way the reverse unit functions during theoperation of the PFA feature. This forces the engine to leave yourPassenger Station in the same direction as it arrived. The followingoperator controlled “Events” control the PFA’s actions and sounds. (Note:The direction states shown assume the PFA is entered from forward. Ifentering the Passenger Station in reverse, the direction states shown willbe reversed.)

Event 1: Interrupt the transformer throttle to cycle the engine from forward into neutral. If the throttle was at 14 volts or higher, the squeaking brakessound will play. Once the engine is stopped, the throttlemust be turned on to keep it in theneutral state. Note: Failure to turn the throttle back on within 3 seconds ofleaving forward will disable PFA andshutdown Proto-Sound®. The nexttime power is turned on, the enginewill be in the RESET position. Seepage 23 for additional information on RESET. If the bell was not turnedoff after arming PFA, it is now turned off automatically. After enteringneutral, Proto-Sound® will immediately play a horn blast or an air releasesound, followed approximately 2 seconds later by an ArrivalAnnouncement. Following this arrival announcement, the sounds of doorsopening and the conductor saying “Watch your step” is heard. At this point, various Passenger Station sounds can be heard, including passengerfootsteps, muffled voices, baggage being moved about and whistling for a

Listen For Air Release SoundAnd Cab Chatter Message

Put Engine In NeutralAt Low Power


taxi. Additionally, several conductor highlights will be heard in theforeground.

Event 2: Interrupt the transformerthrottle again to cycle the engine fromneutral into reverse. In order to have theengine leave the yard in the same directionit entered Proto-Sound® disables themotors in this reverse state to prevent theengine from running backwards. PFAconfirms reverse is entered by playing theconductor saying “Baggage to theright/left.” Once this highlight is played, the Passenger Station soundsheard in Event 1 will continue to play.

Event 3: Interrupt the transformer throttleagain to cycle the engine from reverse back to neutral. PFA confirms that the engine isnow in neutral by sounding two quick airreleases. This is followed approximatelytwo seconds later by a BoardingAnnouncement message and continuedPassenger Station sounds. Conductorhighlights, such as “Welcome aboard” and“Tickets please” will play randomly.

Event 4: Interrupt the transformer throttle again to complete the PFAfeature and cycle the engine into forward. PFA confirms it has enteredforward by playing the conductor’s call “All Aboard!” and the sound of thepassenger car door closing. Within two seconds, the whistle will sound two short blasts (three if entering reverse), and the bell will begin to chime. After a few chimes of the bell, the engine will begin moving in forwardwith the bell continuing to ring. A fewseconds later, the bell will turn off, and theengine will resume normal operation. Note:When entering Event 4, it is important to set the transformer throttle at a high enoughsetting that the engine will begin to movewhen the motors are activated. However,the throttle should not be too high for theengine to maintain a safe operating speed.

Listen For EngineRumbling Sound

Interrupt Throttle ToEnter The Next Phase

Listen For 2Air Release Sounds


Listen For The Sound Of Box Door Closing



TIPS ON USING THE PFA FEATURES

PFA is a unique feature of Proto-Sound® that is completely controlled by theoperator. You decide how, when or if you want to utilize the feature. Byreviewing the following tips, you should find solutions or suggestions to thevarious operating scenarios you might encounter when using PFA.

Tip #1: You can escape the PFA sequence by interrupting the transformerthrottle before the man’s whistle plays in Event 1 (neutral).

Tip #2: You can exit PFA at anytime by turning the transformer throttle Off for 15 seconds.

Tip #3: You do not have to be in Forward to utilize PFA. For example, if youactivate the PFA feature while in Reverse, your train will leave the station/yardin the same reverse direction that it arrived in.

Tip #4: You can use PFA even if you are double-heading with another engineregardless of whether the second engine is equipped with an PFA programmedProto-Sound® module. If the second engine isn’t equipped with PFA, the onlything to remember is that you not to turn up the transformer throttle very highwhen entering Reverse in Event 2. If the throttle is set too high, then the second locomotive will begin vibrating on the track as its motors will be turning inreverse. If your second engine is equipped with PFA, you may want to disablethe PFA when used in double-headed operations. To disable PFA, see thesection on programming RESET functions on page 26 of this manual.

Tip #5: You can leave any of the event stages at any time by simplyinterrupting the transformer throttle. Any sound effects programmed to play inthat event will simply not occur. The only exceptions are Event 1 and Event 4.In Event 1, interrupting the throttle has no effect on PFA until after the man’swhistle has completed and the freight car doors have opened. In Event 4, youcannot interrupt PFA until after the engine begins to move. Interrupting thethrottle before the engine begins to move has no effect on the locomotive’soperation.


Special Reverse Unit Options

Reverse Unit Lockout Operation

For operators who wish to lock their engine into a single direction,Proto-Sound’s® unique design eliminates the need for a lock-out switchon the locomotive. This will allow users to run the engine on layoutsequipped with block signals or stop stations that would normally cycle theengine back into neutral. Note: The feature must be first turned on byaccessing RESET Feature 40 (See page 22).

Locking the Engine into Single Direction Operation

Cycle the transformer throttle so that your engine is operating in thedirection you wish to lock it in (forward, neutral or reverse). With thethrottle set to approximately 8 volts, press and hold the horn/whistlebutton. While holding the horn/whistle button, turn the throttle OFF, andthen release the horn/whistle button. After 2 seconds, you will hear a short horn blast. IMMEDIATELY turn the throttle back on. The engine is nowlocked, and will continue in the previous direction whenever power isapplied to the track.

Unlocking The Engine

With the throttle set to approximately 8 volts, press and hold thehorn/whistle button. While holding the horn/whistle button, turn thethrottle OFF, and then release the horn/whistle button. After threeseconds, a single bell will be heard indicating that the engine is unlocked. When power is again applied, the engine will enter RESET and perform as normal.

NOTE: When locking the engine in the Forward or Reverse positions,the horn/whistle button will blow the horn/whistle. But when locking the engine into the NEUTRAL position, the horn/whistle button may turn on or off sounds of the bell. Remember, the horn/whistle doesn’t blow inNEUTRAL (unless you programmed it to do so using Reset Feature 25 -see page 25 for details), only the bell rings.


SELF-CHARGING BATTERY BACKUP

Proto-Sound® includes a self-charging battery backup system for improvedperformance at any speed. The battery ensures that power to the soundsystem will remain on during directional changes, while setting RESEToptions or when traveling over spots of dirty track and switches. Theself-recharging battery backup system is automatically turned on or off.There no switches needed to enjoy the benefits of the automatic batterybackup system.

Proto-Sound® contains a warning alarm if the battery backup system failsto automatically disengage when track power is turned off. Should thebackup system fail, you will hear a repeating whistle blast indicating thatthis has occurred. Should this happen, unplug the battery from theProto-Sound® module (to prevent the battery from being run down) andcontact MTH for instructions on returning the train for repair..

REPLACING THE PROTO-SOUND® BATTERY

The Proto-Sound® battery (located in the tender body), is a special NiCad7-cell, 8.4v battery -NOT the 6-cell, 7.2v battery found in most convenience stores. The battery is continually charged from the track when power isapplied above 11 volts. Should last for up to five years. In addition, theNiCad battery is a dry battery and should not leak or cause any damage toyour locomotive during its lifetime. The 6-cell NiCad is NOTrecommended for use with Proto-Sound® applications.

If you notice that the sounds seem distorted or garbled at low voltages orbecome immediately silent when power from the transformer is shut off, the battery may be failing. Before replacing the battery, you should put theengine in NEUTRAL and leave the transformer throttle set at about 12 volts for 15 minutes. This should temporarily recharge the battery. If the garbled or distorted sounds are reduced, then your battery charge has worn down.You can give your battery a full charge by leaving the engine ON in theNEUTRAL position for 6 hours. Note: When charging the battery in neutral, if your trains contains a Smoke Unit should be turned OFF to prevent damage to the wick and theheating elements.


If you need to replace the battery, they are available from MTHProto-Sound® Electronics at 7020 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia,MD 21046-1532. A standard 9v alkaline battery can be substituted as atemporary fix, but, since alkaline batteries can’t take a charge, it willeventually wear down.

MANUALLY ADJUSTING THE PROTO-SOUND®VOLUME

Your Proto-Sound® system has two types of volume adjustment. A manual turn knob on the bottom of the chassis (See Fig. 4 below) allows you tocontrol all the sounds in the system and a remote control “RESET" option(Option # 6) allows you to control the volume level of the engine soundsremotely from the transformer. Turning the volume adjustment knob onedirection will increase the volume. Turning it the opposite directions willlower the volume of all sounds: bell, horn, engine sounds, Cab Chatter, etc.For information on operating the RESET volume adjustment option, see the section entitled “Programming Proto-Sound® RESET Options” on thefollowing pages

ProtoSoundVolumeControlKnob

Figure 4: Adjusting The ProtoSound Volume


USING “RESET" TO PROGRAMPROTO-SOUND® Proto-Sound® is equipped with several programmable features which areaccessed in the RESET state by moving the transformer throttle up anddown between full voltage and low voltage (8 volts) without shutting thetransformer off completely. Each time this is done you advance, onefeature at a time, through the available options. An air-release sound isheard each time the throttle is advanced and returned. In addition, there arespecial sounds to tell youwhat RESET position youare in.

For example, if you wantto select Feature 2, put the engine in RESET, andmove the throttle up anddown from full throttle tolow two times. After the second advance, you will hear two “clinks"indicating that the computer is now in Feature 2. Advance the throttle again and you will hear three “clinks" for Feature 3. Advance it two more timesand you will hear a “clank" indicating that you are now in Feature 5.Advance the throttle two more times and you will hear a “clank" and two“clinks" indicating Feature 7. ((5 throttle advancements = 1 clank) + (2throttle advancements = 2 clinks)). “Clank” + “Clink" + “Clink" = Feature7. You can advance the throttle as quickly as you like (though you may nothear the air-release sounds) and the computer will still remember thenumber of times the throttle is advanced by playing back the number of“Clinks" and “Clanks" to confirm the feature you’ve selected.

Remotely Adjusting The Engine Volume - Reset Feature 6-(1Clank, 1 Clink)

Reset 6 allows you to change the volume setting of the motor soundswithout effecting the volume of other sounds, such as the horn, bell, cabchatter, etc. To use, cycle to Reset Feature 6 and press the Horn/Whistlebutton. A single bellwill play, and the chuffwill begin at the currentvolume. Each time theHorn/Whistle button ispressed, a bell willsound and the volumesetting will cycle down

In RESET ModeMove The Throttle Up & Down From

High Voltage To Low2 Times

Advance The Throttle Up & Down From

High Voltage To Low4 More Times

Listen For The 2 Clink Sounds

Listen For 1 Clank And 1 Clink Sounds




Push The Horn/Whistle ButtonUntil You Reach TheSetting You Desire

Interrupt The ThrottleTo “Lock-In”

The Volume Setting

H


to the next level. The levels available are 100%, 50%, 25%, and 0%. After0%, pressing the horn/whistle button again will return the motor sounds to100%. When the desired level is reached, lock the changes by interruptingthe throttle and cycling the engine into forward.

Programming For Squeaking Brake Operation- Reset Feature45 (9 Clanks, 0 Clinks)

Reset Feature 45 allows you to determine if and how the Squeaking Brakesrecording will be activated. To use, cycle to Reset Feature 45 and press theHorn/Whistle button. The engine will play a series of bells. This indicatesthe current setting. Each time the Horn/Whistle button is pressed,Proto-Sound® will cycle to the next available setting and provide theappropriate bell indicator. The settings for Reset Feature 45 are 1 Bell = On Demand (Enabled when PFA is activated), 2 Bells = Always On, 3 Bells =Off. When the desired setting is reached, lock the changes by interruptingthe throttle and cyclingthe engine into forward.

Programming ForHorn In NeutralOperation - ResetFeature 25 (5 Clanks)

Reset Feature 25 allowsyou to operate the Horn while the engine is in the Neutral state. When ON,pressing the Horn/Whistle button while in Neutral, with 10V AC or less onthe track, will cause the Horn recording to sound. To use, cycle to Reset 25and press the Horn/Whistle button. The engine will play a series of bells. This indicates the current setting. Each time the Horn/Whistle button ispressed, Proto-Sound® will cycle to the next available setting and providethe appropriate bell indicator. The settings for Reset 25 are 1 Bell = OFF, 2 Bells = ON. When thedesired setting is reached, lock the changes by interruptingthe throttle and cycling theengine into forward.




Push The Horn/Whistle ButtonUntil You Hear The

Appropriate # Of Dings


The Brake Setting

H




Push The Horn/Whistle ButtonUntil You Hear

2 Bell Dings


The Horn Setting

H


Programming For Proto-Coupler® Operation- Reset Feature 10 (2 Clanks)

Reset Feature 10 allowsyou to turn the operation of the ProtoCoupler on or off. When OFF, the couplerwill not arm or fire fromNeutral. To use, cycle toReset Feature 10 and pressthe Horn/Whistle button. The engine will play aseries of bells. Thisindicates the current setting. Each time the Horn/Whistle button is pressed,Proto-Sound® will cycle to the next available setting and provide theappropriate bell indicator. The settings for Reset Feature 10 are 1 Bell =ON, 2 Bells = OFF. When the desired setting is reached, lock the changesby interrupting the throttle and cycling the engine into forward.

Turning Off Cab Chatter Sounds- Reset Feature 23 (4 Clanks, 3Clinks)

Reset Feature 23allows you to turn theoperation of the CabChatter system on oroff. When OFF, theCab Chatterrecordings will not beplayed when theengine is in Neutral. To use, cycle to Reset 23 and press the Horn/Whistle button. The enginewill play a series of bells. This indicates the current setting. Each time theHorn/Whistle button is pressed, Proto-Sound® will cycle to the nextavailable setting and provide the appropriate bell indicator. The settings for Reset Feature 23 are 1 Bell = ON, 2 Bells = OFF. When the desired settingis reached, lock the changes by interrupting the throttle and cycling theengine into forward.





2 Bell Dings


The Coupler Setting

H




Push The Horn/Whistle ButtonUntil You Hear 2 Bell Dings


The Volume Setting

H


Programming For Squeaking Brakes And PFA Operation-Reset Feature 28 ( 5 Clanks, 3 Clinks)

Reset Feature 28 allows you to turn the operation of the PFA sequence onor off. When OFF, the PFA will not activate. To use,cycle to Reset Feature 28and press the Horn/Whistlebutton. The engine willplay a series of bells. Thisindicates the current setting. Each time the Horn/Whistlebutton is pressed,Proto-Sound® will cycle tothe next available settingand provide the appropriate bell indicator. The settings for Reset Feature 28 are 1 Bell = ON, 2 Bells = OFF. When the desired setting is reached, lockthe changes by interrupting the throttle and cycling the engine into forward.

Activating Remote Lock-Out Control- Reset Feature 40 (8 Clanks,0 Clinks)

Reset Feature 40 allows you to enable the Reverse Unit Lockout feature ofProto-Sound®s. When enabled, you are able to lock the engine to run inonly one of the directional states (Forward, Neutral or Reverse) wheneverpower is applied. The most common use for locking out an engine is in theuse of power blocks on a layout. To use, cycle to Reset Feature 40 and press the Horn/Whistle button. The engine will play a series of bells. Thisindicates the current setting. Each time the Horn/Whistle button is pressed,Proto-Sound® will cycle to the next available setting and provide theappropriate bell indicator. The settings for ResetFeature 40 are 1 Bell =OFF, 2 Bells = ON. Whenthe desired setting isreached, lock the changesby interrupting the throttleand cycling the engine intoforward.






The PFA Setting

H






The Lock-Out Setting

H


Resetting All Proto-Sound® Options To Factory Defaults-Reset Feature 18 (3 Clanks, 3 Clinks)

Reset Feature 18 is the most powerful of the Reset features available. Using Reset Feature 18 allows you to override all changes in programmingand return all Resets to the original, out of the box settings. To use, cycle to Reset Feature 18 and press the Horn/Whistle button. The engine will play a distorted bell, followed by a clear bell sound. This indicates that theProto-Sound® system has restored all settings to factory default settings. Lock the changes by interrupting the throttle and cycling the engine intoforward.





A Warbled Bell Ding


The Default Setting

H


OIL & LUBRICATION INSTRUCTIONS In order for the engine to perform correctly and quietly, it is important that the chassis be lubricated before operation. Lubrication should include alltruck block bushings and pickup rollers to prevent them from squeaking.Use light household oil and follow the lubrication points marked “L" in Fig. 7 below.

The locomotive’s internal gearing in both power trucks has been greased at the factory and shouldn’t need additional grease until after 50 hours ofoperation or one year whichever comes first. Grease cannot be added to the internal gearing until the body is removed from the chassis which is held inplace by four Phillips screws. The screws are located on each end of thechassis’ as seen in Fig. 9 on the following page. After removing the screws, lift the body away from the chassis and lay the body next to the chassis.

G

Motor Mount Screw Motor Mount Screw

Figure 8: Greasing The Power Trucks

L

LL

Figure 7: Lubricating The Truck


Next, remove the truck blocks from the chassis by unscrewing the largePhillips motor mount screw on the bottom of each truck block (See Fig. 8).Once the motor mount screw has been removed, pull the motor away fromthe truck block and lightly coat the motor worm gear and bronze drive gear(in the truck block) with grease. Reassemble the truck and motor, beingcareful not to pinch the pickup and ground wires between the truck blockand motor mount. Repeat the procedure for the other motor and truck andthen reassemble the chassis to the body. When reassembling the chassis and body, be very careful that the lighting wire harnesses are not caughtbetween the body and chassis as this can lead to a short which may damagethe electronic circuit boards beyond repair.

In addition to the truck block internal gearing, it is a good idea to lubricatethe outside truck block “idler" and “drive" gears with grease. Use thediagram shown in Fig. 7. on the previous page as a guide and add grease tothe points marked with a “G".

Periodically, check the locomotive wheels and pickups for dirt buildup asthis can significantly affect the engine’s ability to perform properly. Dirtytrack and dirty wheels can cause both poor electrical contact as well as poortraction, especially on elevated track sections. Finally, dirt and oil build upcan prematurely wear out the neoprene traction tires.

TRACTION TIRE REPLACEMENTINSTRUCTIONS Your locomotive is equipped with two neoprene rubber traction tires oneach power truck. While these tires are extremely durable and long-lastingthere may arise a time where they will need to be replaced. Should thisoccur, you will need to remove the truck sides on the truck block from thechassis in order to slip the new tire over the grooved drive wheel. Toaccomplish this simply turn the car over and remove the screws fromtrucksides.

Motor Mount Screw Motor Mount Screw

Body Mount ScrewsBody Mount Screws

Fig. 9 Location of Body Mount Screws


Before the new tire can be installed, you must make sure the old tire hasbeen completely removed from the groove in the drive wheel. Use a razorblade or small flatblade screwdriver pry away any remains left from the oldtire that may still be in the drive wheel groove. Once the old tire has beencompletely removed, slip the new tire onto the wheel. You may find ituseful to use two small flatblade screwdrivers to assist you in stretching thetire over the wheel. Be careful to avoid twisting the tire when stretching itover the wheel. If a twist occurs, the tire will have to be removed andreinstalled or a noticeable wobble in your engine will occur when operatingthe locomotive. In addition, it is important to make sure that the tire isfully seated inside the groove. Any portion of the tire extending out of thegroove can cause the engine to wobble. A razor blade can be used to trimaway any excess tire that doesn’t seat itself inside the groove properly.

Once the new tire(s) are in place, reassemble the truck sides to the truckblocks. Replacement tires are available directly from MTH Electric Trains.

HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENT

The F-3 locomotive’s headlights are controlled by constant voltage circuits inside the locomotive body. The headlight(s) can be easily removed fromtheir lampholders should the bulbs expire. To remove the bulb, follow thebody removal instructions found in the Lubrication section on theproceeding pages. Once the cab has been separated from the chassis, gently unplug the bulb’s wiring harness from the socket on the constant voltagecircuit. Replacement bulbs are available directly from MTH ElectricTrains.


TROUBLE SHOOTING PROTO-SOUND®PROBLEMS Although Proto-Sound® has been designed and engineered for ease of use, some questions may arise during initial operation. The following tableshould answer most questions. If you find that your problem can’t beresolved with this manual, contact MTH ProtoSound Electronics (7020Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046, 410-381-2580) foradditional assistance.

HORN PROBLEMS REMEDY

The horn seems distorted at low voltages.Your battery may be undercharged or dead. Tryrecharging the battery as explained in the batterysections.

When I press the whistle button, the bell comes oninstead.

You are trying to operate the horn in neutral. The horn will only operate in Forward or Reverse unless youprogram ProtoSounds through Feature 25. See theinstructions in the section entitled “Using RESET toProgram ProtoSounds”.

I can’t get the horn to blow when I press the whistlebutton.

You may be pressing the whistle button too quickly.Most older AC transformers contain a two--step whistle button that releases a DC signal onto the track. It isthis DC signal that tells the horn to blow. However,because the signal is weaker when the whistle buttonis depressed fully, the ProtoSound circuit may notrecognize the signal. Try pressing the whistle buttonslower, taking approximately 1 second to fully depressthe button.

BELL PROBLEMS REMEDY

When I press the whistle button to activate the bell, the horn sounds.

You are trying to ring the bell in Forward or Reverse.The bell only operates in Neutral unless you haveprogrammed ProtoSounds to recognize a separate bell button.

When I press the whistle button to activate the bell, Iarm the coupler.

Reduce the voltage on the transformer before pressing the whistle button to activate the bell. The bell will only come on at 8 volts or less.

When I press the whistle button to activate the bell, the bell only rings once.

You are trying to ring the bell in RESET instead ofneutral. Interrupt the power twice to enter Neutral, setthe voltage at 8 volts or less and press the whistlebutton to activate the bell.

I can’t get the bell to ring when I press the whistlebutton.

You may be pressing the whistle button too quickly.See the 3rd remedy in the horn section above.

The bell won’t work with a separate bell button.

ProtoSounds must be programmed in order for aseparate bell button to function. Enter RESET function number 20 (see the section entitled “Using RESET toProgram ProtoSounds”) and press the whistle buttonuntil the bell sounds two dings. Simply turn the throttle off and then on again to lock in the new setting.


COUPLER PROBLEMS REMEDY

The ProtoCoupler won’t let the engine uncouple on the “Fly”.

The power required to fire the coupler open when theengine is on the “Fly” may be greater than theProtoSound system is capable of providing. As aresult, you may experience times when the couplerwon’t fire open. Unfortunately, the only solution is tostop the engine and fire the coupler in Neutral. If thatdoesn’t resolve the problem, try lubricating the couplerknuckle and rivet as explained in the ProtoCouplerOperation section.

I can’t get the coupler to arm or fire open when I pressthe whistle button.

You may be pressing the whistle button too quickly.See the third remedy in the horn section above.Another possibility is that ProtoSounds has beenprogrammed to turn the coupler function off. See thesection entitled “Using RESET to ProgramProtoSounds”

Only one coupler will function when I press the whistlebutton.

Only one coupler can operate at any one time. Usethe coupler selection switch on the bottom of thechassis to choose which coupler you want active.

DIESEL START/CAB CHATTER REMEDY

Sometimes the diesel start sounds don’t occur when Ifirst turn power on.

Occasionally the diesel engine start up sounds maynot occur when power is turned back on within 5seconds of being shut off. Wait 10 -- 15 secondsbefore repowering.

Sometimes the Cab Chatter sounds don’t play.

The Cab Chatter sounds only play in neutral andProtoSounds may be programmed to turn thesoundsoff. See the section entitled “Using RESET toProgram ProtoSounds”

LOCKOUT PROBLEMS REMEDY

I can’t get the engine to run after I power up thetransformer. It sits still with the diesel compressorsounds running.

The engine is locked out into the Neutral position.Follow the unlocking procedures in the LockoutSection.

The engine won’t lock out into Forward, Neutral orReverse even after the short horn blast sounds.

You are waiting too long to turn the throttle back onafter the short horn blast sounds. The power must beturned back on immediately after the short horn blastsounds or the engine will go back into RESET. Seethe lockout procedure in the Lockout Section.

VOLUME PROBLEMS REMEDY

When I try to run the engine, the diesel volume is OFF or very low.

The diesel volume has been programmed at a reduced volume or to be silent. Go to RESET Feature 6 andadjust the volume. See the section entitled “UsingRESET to Program ProtoSounds” for moreinformation.

When I try to set the diesel volume, it resets itself tothe original volume after I selected the new volume.

You are trying to set the volume with a poorly chargedor dead backup battery. See the section on BatteryBackup for more information.

When I try to set the Diesel Volume to O Volume, I still hear the cab chatter sounds.

When the diesel volume is set to O, you will hear theCab Chatter sounds because setting the diesel volume only controls the sound of the diesel engine itself. Allother sounds, including Cab Chatter, the horn and bellwill continue to play at the volume level set by themanual volume control knob located on the bottom ofthe chassis. See the section entitled “ProtoSoundVolume Adjustment” for more information.

The sounds seem distorted, especially when thewhistle or bell is activated.

The overall ProtoSound volume has been set to highcreating the distorted sounds. Try turning the volumecontrol knob located on the bottom of the chassiscounter clockwise to reduce the overall volume level.


BATTERY PROBLEMS REMEDYI get no sounds when the engine shifts between thedirection states.

The battery may be dead or needs charging. See theBattery Backup section for more information.

After I turn off my transformer, my engine continues tomake sounds before quitting with a ding of its bell.

ProtoSounds continues to sound for approximately 10seconds after power to the track has been shut off.

The sounds distort at low voltages.The battery is insufficiently charged or dead. Followthe recharging instructions found in the section entitled “Self Recharging Battery Backup System”.

A repeating horn blast occurs after the power hasbeen shut down.

The battery is insufficiently charged or dead. Followthe recharging instructions found in the section entitled “Self Recharging Battery Backup System”.

RESET PROBLEMS REMEDY

When I first turn the power on, the engine will notbegin to run. I have to turn the throttle off and then onagain to get the engine to operate.

This is normal behavior. When power to the track isfirst turned on, ProtoSounds enters a “RESET” phaseat which time the engine undergoes a system check.Power must be interrupted to get the engine into theForward Phase. See the section entitled “DCRUReverse Unit Operation” for more information.

Whenever I interrupt the power from RESET to enterForward, the engine goes back into RESET instead ofForward. I know this occurs because the bell dingstwice.

Whenever ProtoSounds enters RESET after powerhas been off for more than 15 seconds, themicroprocessor initiates a system check to determinethat everything is in working order. This system checkrequires 2.2 seconds to complete during which timethe engine will play the diesel startup sounds. Werecommend that you don’t interrupt the power inRESET until the diesel startup sounds havecompleted. This will guarantee that the system checkwill have been completed since the startup soundstake longer than 2.2 seconds to play. If the problempersists, we recommend that you operate the throttlewith a slower movement as you interrupt the power inRESET and enter the Forward Phase

BRAKE SOUND PROBLEMS REMEDY

When the transformer is throttled down, the soundswon’t play.

The brake features has not been activated. See thesection on activating the brake feature for moreinformation.The throttle voltage setting on thetransformer is either not starting high enough orending low enough to trigger the brakes sounds. Tryincreasing the throttle setting to 14 volts or higherbefore throttling down to 8 volts or less.

The brake sounds continue to play even after theengine stops.

The brake feature sound record lasts for threeseconds. With practice you can control how quicklyyou should stop the engine to keep it in sequence withthe sound of the brake’s squeaking.

The brake feature was activated in neutral after theengine was running in forward, but the brake soundswould not play when triggered after the engine wentback into forward or reverse.

The brake feature will only remain enabled if it istriggered in the first direction state you enter afteractivating the feature in neutral. You cannot interruptthe power twice to enter another direction state andstill have the brake feature active. Therefore, in orderto make the brake sound feature operate in forward,you must first activate the feature in the neutralposition that occurs after the engine was in the reverse state.

After triggering the brake sound and stopping theengine in neutral, the engine begins making passenger station sound effects.

After you trigger the brake sounds, you cannot stopthe engine in neutral and leave the track power onwithout activating the passenger station sounds. If you don’t want to hear the passenger station sounds afterentering neutral, turn the power off for three secondsto disable the passenger station sound effects.


PFA PROBLEMS REMEDY

The PFA feature does not begin even after stoppingthe engine and hearing the brake sounds.

The power was not turned back on once the engineenter the neutral state thus disabling PFA.Thetransformer throttle was interrupted too quickly inneutral thus disabling PFA. Leave the throttle on inneutral until after the PFA arrival message plays.

The PFA sound effects occasionally repeatthemselves.

ProtoSounds has a built--in random number generatorthat randomly selects each sound clip to play.Because there are only a total of 8 sound clipsavailable in each PFA event, it is probable that asound can occasionally be repeated one or moretimes.

Once in PFA, the engine never goes in reverse.

So that the passenger station sound effects andoperation is as realistic as possible, ProtoSoundsdisables the reverse unit state whenever PFA isenabled. This way the engine never goes into reverseas the operator cycles through the various PFAevents.

When the engine enters PFA event 5, the bellautomatically comes on.

PFA has a built--in command to turn on the bell whenthe system enters Event 5. After approximately 15rings of the bell, it automatically will turn off.

Whenever PFA is enabled, pressing the whistle andbell buttons has no affect.

Because PFA must control various effects in each PFA event, the bell and whistle functions are disabled untileither the PFA events have been completed, or theengine is shut down for 3 or more seconds.

I can’t get PFA to begin when the engine is stopped inthe neutral position.

It is possible that PFA was never enabled or has beendisabled. Try reactivating the feature by holding downthe bell button for three or more seconds.

PROTO-SOUND RESET FEATURE CHART

The following chart lists the available features found in your Proto-Soundequipped locomotive. The default settings for each feature as well as theoperation sequence of the feature are listed in separate columns. You canreset all features to their original factory settings by accessing Feature 18 inRESET and press and hold the transformer whistle button until you hear asoft, warbled bell sound.

RESET # OPERATION DEFAULT CLANKS/CLINKS

6 Engine Volume Full Volume 1 Clank/5 Clinks

10 Coupler ON/OFF Coupler ON 2 Clanks/0 Clinks

18 Reset Default Settings 3 Clanks/3 Clinks

20 Remote Bell Button Bell Button Active 4 Clanks/0 Clinks

23 Cab Chatter Cab Chatter ON 4 Clanks/3 Clinks

25 Whistle In Neutral Whistle In Neutral OFF 5 Clanks/0 Clinks

27 Chuff Rate Full Chuff Range 5 Clanks/2 Clinks

28 Brake/PFA Enabled Brake/PFA ON 5 Clanks/3 Clinks

40 Lockout Enabled Lockout OFF 8 Clanks/0 Clinks

45 Squeaking Brakes Brakes Always ON 9 Clanks/0 Clinks


TRANSFORMER WIRING CHART Proto-Sound® is designed to work with any standard AC transformer thatuses a “Pure Sine-Wave" format. The chart below lists the many Lionel®compatible transformers, such as the Lionel KW or ZW models. Inaddition, the chart details how the terminals on these compatibletransformers should be attached to your layout. The Trainmaster systemfrom Lionel® (marked with an asterisk below) will not function correctlywith Proto-Sound without disrupting the sound effects. Therefore, whenever Proto-Sound senses that the Trainmaster system is being used, itautomatically disables Proto-Sound’s sound effects. The operator retainscontrol over the engine, but no sound effects will play.

TransformerModel

Center Rail Outside Rail Min/Max.Voltage

PowerRating

TransformerType

Lionel 1032 U A 5-16v* 90-Watt Standard

Lionel 1032M U A 5-16v* 90-Watt Standard



Lionel 1043M U A 5-16v* 90-Watt Standard


Lionel 1053 U A 8-17v 60-Watt Standard

Lionel 1063 U A 8-17v 60-Watt Standard

All-Trol Left Terminal Right Terminal 0-24v 300-Watt Electronic

Cab-1/Powermaster

A U 0-18v 135V.A. Electronic

Dallee Hostler Left Terminal Right Terminal

Lionel LW A U 8-18v 75-Watt Standard

Lionel KW A or B U 6-20v 190-Watt Standard

MRC Tech II Left Terminal 2nd From Left 0-15v* 40V.A. Electronic

Lionel MW (notrecommended)

Outside TrackTerminal

Inside TrackTerminal

5-16v* 50V.A. Electronic

R.O.W. Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-24v 384-Watt Standard

Lionel RS-1 Red Terminal Black Terminal 0-18v 50V.A. Electronic

Lionel RW U A 9-19v 110-Watt Standard

Lionel SW U A Unknown 130-Watt Standard

Lionel TW U A 8-18v 175-Watt Standard

Lionel ZW A or D U 8-20v 275-Watt Standard

MTH Z4000 Red Black 5-22v 390-Watt Electronic

*ProtoSounds needs over 14 volts of power to work properly. Overloading or using in-lineaccessories with this transformer may lower the peak voltage below ProtoSound’srequirements.


O-31 OPERATION

While the MTH F-3 diesel is more than capable of operating on O-31curves and switches, you may find that certain light freight cars are prone to derailing when being pulled or pushed by the MTH F-3 through O-31switches. Should this occur, we suggest adding weight to the cars makingthem heavier and less likely to derail.

WARNING:

When using electrical products, basic safety precautions should befollowed including the following:

-- Read this and all related manuals (transformer/power supply,locomotive, etc.) thoroughly before using this device.

-- This device is not recommended for children under eight years of agewithout adult supervision.

-- MTH recommends parents examine the toy transformer used to powerthis device periodically for conditions that may result in the risk of fire,electric shock, or injury to persons, such as damage to the primary or output cord, plug blades, housing or other parts (including proper functioning ofthe circuit breaker), and that, in an event such conditions exist, thetransformer should not be used until properly repaired.

Notes:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


SERVICE & WARRANTY INFORMATION

HOW TO GET SERVICE UNDER THE TERMS OF THE LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY

For warranty repair, do not return your product to the place of purchase unless it waspurchased from Mike’s Train House in Columbia, MD. Instead, follow the instructions belowto obtain warranty service as our dealer network is not prepared to service the product underthe terms of this warranty.

1. First, write, call, email or FAX MTH Electric Trains, 7020 ColumbiaGateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046, 410-381-2580 (FAX No.410-423-0009), or on the internet at [email protected] or our website, www.mthtrains.com, stating which product you have, when it waspurchased and what seems to be the problem. You will be given a returnauthorization number to assure that your merchandise will be properlyhandled upon its receipt at MTH.

2. CAUTION: Make sure the product is packed in its original factorypackaging including its foam and plastic wrapping material so as to preventdamage to the merchandise. The shipment must be prepaid and werecommend that it be insured. A cover letter, including your name, address,daytime phone number, a copy of your sales receipt, the ReturnAuthorization number and a full description of the problem, must beincluded to facilitate the repairs. Please include the description regardlessof whether or not you discussed the problem with one of our servicetechnicians when contacting MTH for your Return Authorization number.

3. Please make sure you have followed the instructions carefully before returning anymerchandise for service.

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY

This item is warranted for one year from the date of purchase against defects in material orworkmanship. We will repair or replace (at our option) the defective part without charge forparts or labor, if the item is returned to the address below within one year of the original dateof purchase. This warranty does not cover items that have been abused or damaged by careless handling. Transportation costs incurred by the customer are not covered under this warranty.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary fromstate to state.

ProtoSounds® is a trademark of MTH Electric Trains. DCRU® is a registered copyright ofQS Industries, Inc. Lionel® and Railsound® are registered trademarks of Lionel L.L.C.

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